9 Ways to Stay Productive at the Office When It's Dark at 4 PM

We could spend all day arguing about the merits of Daylight Savings Time, but the fact of the matter is this: For many of us, it’s dark outside by 4:45 PM in the winter months. So, the real question is, how do you stay productive in the office when you feel like you should be going to bed?

Take a look at these nine tips and tricks for not only keeping your eyes open, but also being the most productive person in the office when it looks like nighttime, but you still have hours to go.

Already had two full cups of coffee today and still need another caffeine rush—but one that won’t keep you up all night?
Try out a green or black tea
for a nice late afternoon boost.
(Lifehacker)

Protein is great for your brain power and also awesome for staying awake. Try
one of these filling options
if you’re not hungry enough for a full meal.
(Yahoo)

Blue light may be terrible for your health at night, but
it keeps you up
during the workday.
(Harvard Health)

There’s nothing worse than sitting still at a desk for eight hours and watching it get dark at 4 PM.
Get your deskercise on
to loosen up and get your blood pumping.
(Greatist)

Chewing gum
not only improves brain function, but it can also keep you upright as the sun goes down.
(WIRED)

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Lily Herman is a New York-based writer and editor. In recent months, her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Glamour, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, TIME, Newsweek, Fast Company, and Mashable. You can check out her website, LinkedIn, and Twitter.